Letter from Pastor Miles Hopgood
Update on Worship Services March 14 and 15, 2020
Dear friends in Christ,
The escalation of COVID-19 to the level of a pandemic has caused no small amount of turmoil across the globe and here in our own community. Schools are closing, people are being encouraged to work remotely where possible, and all are encouraged to practice social distancing in order to halt the spread of this illness and protect the most vulnerable. As Christians, we are called to be in the world, and must reflect on what this means not only for how we care for one another but also how we gather together to worship.
Together with the council's executive committee, I have been prayerfully discerning what is the right decision regarding our worship services. We came to the conclusion that it is still possible for us to hold public worship safely for the time being, and that those who are able and willing to gather be allowed to do so. Therefore all services will continue as planned this weekend, with the following provisions:
In times such as these more than ever, we are called to live out our trust in God by being both prudent and courageous. However we adapt what it looks like to gather together in the weeks to come, it will be to better love and serve our neighbors, a calling which extends to our public life as well. To be a Christian in this time is to be wise in how we protect one another and bold in our willingness to care for those in need, even when self-interest might have us do otherwise.
If any of these global developments or decisions about our worship have caused you concern or alarm, please do not hesitate to contact me by email ([email protected]) or phone (609.323.5280). Know that you are all in my prayers during these trying times, and may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Faithfully yours,
Pastor Miles
The escalation of COVID-19 to the level of a pandemic has caused no small amount of turmoil across the globe and here in our own community. Schools are closing, people are being encouraged to work remotely where possible, and all are encouraged to practice social distancing in order to halt the spread of this illness and protect the most vulnerable. As Christians, we are called to be in the world, and must reflect on what this means not only for how we care for one another but also how we gather together to worship.
Together with the council's executive committee, I have been prayerfully discerning what is the right decision regarding our worship services. We came to the conclusion that it is still possible for us to hold public worship safely for the time being, and that those who are able and willing to gather be allowed to do so. Therefore all services will continue as planned this weekend, with the following provisions:
- Stringent measures will be taken to keep worship safe for all who attend
- There will be no coffee or education hour, but childcare is available during Sunday worship services as usual
- Anyone who is unwell, vulnerable, or anxious about their well-being should not attend but remain home with the firm knowledge that such a decision is faithful and right
- For those who do not attend, a copy of the sermon and home prayers will be posted on the church website to better aid worship at home
In times such as these more than ever, we are called to live out our trust in God by being both prudent and courageous. However we adapt what it looks like to gather together in the weeks to come, it will be to better love and serve our neighbors, a calling which extends to our public life as well. To be a Christian in this time is to be wise in how we protect one another and bold in our willingness to care for those in need, even when self-interest might have us do otherwise.
If any of these global developments or decisions about our worship have caused you concern or alarm, please do not hesitate to contact me by email ([email protected]) or phone (609.323.5280). Know that you are all in my prayers during these trying times, and may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Faithfully yours,
Pastor Miles
